Welcome back to Crime Watch Northern Beaches, a weekly wrap up of local crimes and incidents from the Northern Beaches Police Area Command. If you saw or can help with any of the below incidents, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or here. All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. You can also contact Dee Why Police Station 9971 3399.
Alerts – Tax Scams and Gift Card Scams
Northern Beaches Police received two reports of fraud relating to tax returns this week.
A lady from Allambie Heights reported a fraudulent claim under her name with the Australian Tax office. Fraudsters had somehow accessed her MyGov account and claimed a significant amount of deductions resulting in a large tax refund. They had also changed her banking details resulting in the funds being diverted interstate.
On Tuesday, another lady from Belrose reported a similar fraud with the Tax Office exceeding $10,000. Police understand the ATO is investigating these matters.
In an unrelated matter, a lady in her 80s was deceived into buying some $2,000 worth of gift cards after receiving a call from scammers. The lady had purchased more gift cards to supply to the scammers however raised the matter with Police. Thankfully the retail outlet supplying the unused cards will refund the victim some of her money.
Please remember that any request for gift cards should raise your suspicion.
See Scamwatch for some contemporary examples: ATO impersonation scam: mother-in-law lost $4000 over a fake tax debt | Scamwatch
Thefts from vehicles
Over the weekend, Northern Beaches Police took several reports of thefts from cars.
Overnight on Saturday night, someone stole two wheels off a Volkswagen Golf that was parked on Terrol Crescent at Mona Vale. The car did not appear to have been entered but was left sitting on a large rock.
This week we also had a report made of a theft of a Diesel Particulate Filter from a Volkswagen van parked at Brookvale from the week prior.
Police also took a report of someone stealing a mirror off a scooter around 10.30am on Sunday morning at Whistler Street, Manly.
Arrests
EGG THROWING results in assault, Newport: 13 October 2024
Northern Beaches Police were called to a neighbour dispute that commenced over egg throwing. The altercation resulted in a 56 year old man being charged with Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm after the 33 year old male neighbour was struck with a golf club. The man will appear at Manly Local Court on 27 November 2024.
Police continue to encourage neighbours to consider the services of the Community Justice Centre who provide mediation services for many neighbourhood disputes. Neighbours (nsw.gov.au)
Davidson: 15 October 2024
Northern Beaches Police were investigating some suspicious activity in the Davidson area and had cause to speak with a 43 year old man from Belrose on 16 October 2024. Police believed the man had been around a home in Davidson and had been caught on their CCTV system. The resident had posted an image on social media that was seen by another resident in the area, who also called police.
Detectives conducted a search of the man’s Belrose home finding drugs and other items of interest. He was charged with Trespass, Break and Enter with Intent and Supply a Commercial Quantity of Prohibited Drugs. He was refused bail and will appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on 17 December 2024.
ARSON TRUCK FIRE: 15 and 16 October 2024
After a lengthy investigation, Northern Beaches Detectives arrested a 38 year old woman and a 21 year old man for being involved in the deliberate fire that destroyed a tipper truck at Dee Why Bowling Club car park on 2 April 2023.
Police will allege that the duo played key roles in the planning and setting fire to the truck that was used in a rubbish removal business.
On 14 October 2024 the man was charged at Port Macquarie Police Station with one count of Damage property by fire and was granted conditional bail to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court on 27 November 2024.
The woman was charged at Manly Police Station with one count of with one count of Dishonestly destroy property by fire. She was bail and remained in custody overnight to appear at Manly Local Court on 17 October 2024.
CAR THEFT, Freshwater: 16 October 2024
Northern Beaches Police arrested a 28 year old man from Seaforth on 16 October 2024 whilst investigating a theft of a Toyota Prado from Freshwater on Monday. After a call from the public, Police spoke to the man at Freshwater on 16 October 2024. He tried to drive off and a scuffle occurred.
Inquiries by Police suggested the stolen Prado had interstate number plates stolen from another car at Balgowlah on Tuesday. He was charged with two counts of driving the stolen car, driving with an expired licence, resisting police in the execution of their duty, displaying misleading number plates and possession of house breaking implements. He was bail refused to appear at Manly Local Court on 17 October 2024. Police are also awaiting the results of toxicology before considering any further driving offences.
HOTEL ARREST, Manly: 16 October 2024
Northern Beaches Police arrested a 58 year old man from Milsons Point on the evening of 16 October 2024 after the patron refused to leave a licensed premises. The man had been banned from the premises some four weeks prior. When asked to leave, he struck a staff member. He was given a Court attendance notice for trespass, common assault and failing to leave a licensed premises. He will appear in Manly Local Court on 27 November 2024.
